Welcome to Palmer Woods, one of Detroit's premier historic neighborhoods. Characterized by diverse and engaged residents and architectural treasures, our historic enclave of about 300 homes is nestled west of Woodward Avenue and north of Seven Mile Road in a beautiful wooded, urban setting. On this site, learn about our community: the Palmer Woods Association, our history, services available to our neighborhood, news, events and more.

Holiday Home Tour~Soirée

The 2013 Holiday Home Tour and Soiree once again showcased Palmer Woods as Detroit’s premier neighborhood — a desirable place to live where historic charm and luxury coexist with modern work, family and community. More than 200 guests from Metro-Detroit and beyond toured five extraordinary homes lovingly dressed for the holidays.

Each homeowner selected a theme that melded the personality of the family with the unique style of the home. Diane and Jeff Hines’ Renaissance Revival/Queen Anne Tudor home was transformed into a glamorous designer showcase with matching beribboned and lighted garlands elaborately draped over the mahogany front door and main fireplace. Everton Swearing and Arthur White’s English Cottage-Style Tudor featured a musical Christmas theme, including an antique music stand and violin alongside an oversized Christmas tree strung with ornaments shaped like instruments and sheet music. Lynne Carter Keith and Terrance Keith selected a classic and elegant traditional theme for their English Tudor Revival home filled with their eclectic collection of art by local and nationally-recognized African American artists, and artwork the couple has gathered during their world travels. And having a two-year old child with another on the way, it is no surprise that Angella and Jed Durkin chose a child-storybook theme for their Albert Kahn-designed Georgian Colonial. Antique toys and books lined the fireplace and shelves, while Santa filled the family’s shoes at the foot of the stairs with oranges and candy — a Dutch tradition. Rick Bowers and Dan Treder’s recently renovated Italian-Memphis style contemporary home served as “party central.” And what a party it was! Special attendees included newly-elected Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan and his wife Lori Maher. Guests enjoyed wines by Western Market and a festive buffet-style dinner well beyond the 11 pm scheduled end time. Although “touring” was limited to the main floor, it was obvious that the owners were true to the holiday spirit in their decorating flair.

New this year was a free raffle featuring gifts donated by Blossoms Birmingham and the Palmer Woods Association, as well as six new stores on Livernois: Good Cakes and Bakes, Love Travel Imports, Detroit Fiber Works, Art in Motion, Voigt’s Soda House, and Tender Moments.

The role this event plays in boosting Detroit’s image cannot be overstated. More than a few visitors expressed interest in moving back to the City from the suburbs. And one reader of the feature story in the Detroit News/Free Press Friday Home Section stated: “In years past, I have gone to the Palmer Woods Home Tour during the holiday season, as well as similar tours in Indian Village and the Boston-Edison district. If anyone wants to see the great side of Detroit, I encourage you to take these tours and see for yourself what goodness continues to reside in Detroit. I hope these tours will continue for many years to come and serve as inspiration to others to improve the City of Detroit and its surroundings. Thank you to Jeff and Diane Hines and others on the tour for your Detroit hospitality.”

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Curbside Pickup

Curbside pickup: For a schedule of pick up dates click here. Trash every Thursday (except holidays), recycling every other Thursday, bulk every other Friday and yard waste same day as bulk between April and November. Click here for more information and here for recycling tips.

History

Learn more about the deep history and amazing architecture of this historic Detroit Neighborhood.